11/06/2005

U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA) today introduced an amendment to H.R. 4128, the Private Property Rights Protection Act, to protect houses of worship and non-profit organizations from eminent domain abuse. Gingrey's amendment would make it illegal for state and local governments to use tax-exempt or non-profit status as a consideration for the taking of property under economic or public use plans.

"In the wake of the Supreme Court's Kelo ruling, religious and non-profit organizations are at particular risk of becoming targets of eminent domain abuse," said Gingrey. "Churches bring guidance to our communities, but they don't bring revenue to the government. Unless we act now, they will become an easy mark for money-hungry developers and governments. I fear for our country if we allow shopping malls and other revenue-raisers to evict our religious organizations simply because God doesn't pay enough in taxes."

The Gingrey Amendment prohibits the consideration of non-profit or tax-exempt status during the economic evaluation of a proposal using eminent domain. The amendment text is attached in PDF format.

The House is expected to consider H.R. 4128 and the Gingrey Amendment on Thursday, November 3.

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